JEA Hosts FMEA Lineman Competition

2024-01-30

JACKSONVILLE – On Saturday, Feb. 24, dozens of electric lineworker teams from throughout Florida will join with those from JEA to put their safety and power reliability skills to the test as the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) Florida Lineman Competition returns to Jacksonville.

The competition, which JEA is hosting, gives lineworkers a chance to come together to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in the craft of line work. More than 150 lineworkers will be hoping to climb their way to professional recognition in the 2024 “Lineman Olympics” at Metropolitan Park on Gator Bowl Boulevard.

Since its inception in 2001, the annual competition has celebrated the men and women who put their lives at risk to keep power on throughout our communities. Competitors will take on various challenges such as replacing crossarms and insulators on utility poles, replacing blown arrestors, crossing poles and completing a simulation of rescuing injured lineworkers. They will earn points for completing the tasks as quickly as possible and lose points if safety standards and proper work practices are not followed.

Journeyman teams, which include at least one lineworker who has been in the industry for five years or longer, are made up of three lineworkers. Apprentices, or lineworkers in training, will compete individually on Friday, Feb. 23.

More than 80 journeyman lineworkers and 70-plus apprentices from 15 Florida utilities are expected to participate. Winners will be announced at an awards banquet on the evening of Feb. 24.

“This competition is a tribute to lineworkers at JEA and across Florida, as it showcases their unwavering dedication to their craft, our communities and to safety,” JEA Managing Director & CEO Jay Stowe said. “JEA is honored to serve as this year’s host, giving crews a chance to show the public what it takes to keep the power on and improve lives in their communities.”

The event is free and open to the public. Food trucks and activities for children, including a bounce house, will be available. JEA will also provide information about careers in the electric utility profession. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets, and coolers will be permitted.

For more information on the Florida Lineman Competition, please visit www.flpublicpower.com.

About JEA

JEA is a not-for-profit, community-owned utility that provides safe, reliable and affordable, utility services to more than one million Northeast Florida residents across four counties. JEA is not owned by investors. It was created by the City of Jacksonville to serve those who live in Jacksonville and the surrounding communities. JEA’s 2,100+ workforce is dedicated to ensuring the electric and water demands of its customers are met, both today and for generations to come, while protecting our precious natural resources and supporting our region’s growth and economic development.

About FMEA

The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) represents the unified interests of 33 public power communities across the state, which provide electricity to more than 4 million of Florida’s residential and business consumers.

Media Contact

Simone Garvey-Ewan
JEA Media Relations
(904) 665-5500
media@jea.com

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